Bingham Farms-based developer Burton-Katzman and Southfield-based Gershenson Realty & Investments plan a four-story building with first-floor restaurants, two stories of retail and office space, top floor residential lofts, and one level of underground parking.

G2 says it analyzed the site's subsurface, soil and groundwater conditions in and around the existing multi-level retail structure. G2's engineers and scientists used the information to help develop plans to safely demolish the existing building and its large basement, while protecting the adjacent structures. G2 also used it to design foundations for the new structure, says Dave Wanlass, G2 project manager.

"We've also designed a special shoring system that will support Old Woodward Avenue and Willits Street during demolition of the existing building's multiple basements and foundations," Wanlass says. "We'll provide observation and inspection services during demolition of the existing store and its basements, and during the construction of the new building."